Impervious: The Unbreakable Superhero Vocabulary
Explore the meaning, usage, and examples of the powerful adjective ‘impervious’, which describes something that is unaffected or unable to be penetrated. Learn how to properly apply this word in your vocabulary and avoid common errors.
Imagine a superhero with impenetrable skin, able to withstand any attack. This invulnerability is a perfect illustration of our GRE vocabulary word for today: impervious.
Word type: Impervious is an adjective, used to describe something or someone that is not affected by or influenced by a particular thing.
Meaning: The word impervious has two main meanings. First, it refers to something that does not allow fluid to pass through.
Second, it describes someone or something that is not affected or influenced by something else.
Word history:
Impervious comes from the Latin word impervius, which combines the prefix im meaning not, with pervius, meaning passable.
This etymology reflects the word’s core meaning of not allowing passage.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of impervious include susceptible, vulnerable, and permeable.
These words describe things that can be affected, influenced, or penetrated easily.
Synonyms: Synonyms for impervious include impenetrable, unaffected, and immune.
These words all convey the idea of being resistant to external forces or influences.
Examples use in sentences:
Let’s look at some examples of how to use impervious in sentences. The waterproof jacket was impervious to the heavy rain, keeping the hiker dry throughout the storm.
Despite the criticism, the politician seemed impervious to public opinion and continued with his controversial policies.
The thick concrete walls were impervious to sound, making the recording studio ideal for musicians. She remained impervious to his charm, focusing solely on the business negotiation at hand.
Common errors in use: One common mistake when using impervious is confusing it with oblivious. While impervious means unaffected or unable to be penetrated, oblivious means unaware or not conscious of something.
For example, He was impervious to the cold means he was unaffected by it, while He was oblivious to the cold means he didn’t notice it.
Another error is using impervious with to when referring to a person’s attitude. It’s correct to say She was impervious to criticism, but not She was impervious about criticism.
To wrap up, impervious is a powerful word that describes something unaffected or impenetrable. Whether you’re talking about a material that doesn’t let water through or a person unmoved by outside influences, impervious conveys a sense of strength and resistance.
By understanding its meaning, origins, and proper usage, you can add this word to your vocabulary arsenal, making your language skills more impervious to GRE challenges.
